Severe Weather Awareness Week is planned April 11-17 and is dedicated to helping people learn about and prepare for the weather hazards that happen in the area.
The Cass County Sheriff's Office state "If we are better prepared, we reduce the risks to our family, friends and neighbors. This preparation may also help to reduce the costs associated with a hazardous weather event."
As the storm on July 12, 2015 proved, these events happen and can cause extensive damage. The damages within in Cass County alone were well over $1 million. In the neighboring counties, they had higher damage and costs.
Severe Weather Awareness week is to remind and teach everyone about warnings, sirens and what they really mean. It's the best time to make and practice a person's emergency plan and refresh supplies.
The most important components to Severe Weather Awareness Week are the two statewide annual tornado drills. The two tornado drills will happen at 1:45 p.m. and 6:55 p.m. April 14 in Cass County.
ADVERTISEMENT
The first drill at 1:45 p.m. will allow schools, local businesses, clinics and care facilities to take a look at their emergency plans and practice them. The second drill at 6:55 p.m. will allow residents, as individuals, and also those businesses with late shift staff to also practice the emergency plans they have.
Each day of the week will concentrate on another severe weather topic:
Monday: Alerts and warnings will be covered explaining what they mean.
Tuesday: Severe weather, lightning and hail.
Wednesday: Floods.
Thursday: Tornadoes, iIncluding the two statewide tornado drills.
Friday: Extreme heat.
During the week, the National Weather Service will also be testing the Emergency Alert Systems and the NOAA weather radio system. This is a good time to remind everyone that an inexpensive NOAA radio is one of the best ways to stay aware and alerted about severe weather, the sheriff's office stated. The NIXLE system in Cass County will also be tested during both tornado drills. The NIXLE system is a free system that is maintained to keep citizens aware of any public safety message that may need to come from the sheriff's office.
ADVERTISEMENT
Another important part of the Severe Weather Awareness Week, the Cass County Sheriff's Office will hold two Weather Spotters Training sessions. The first class will be held 6:30 p.m. April 19 at the WHA School in Walker. The second class will be held 6:30 p.m. April 20 at the Fairview Township Halll meeting room.
The class is available to anyone who would like to attend and become a spotter. The spotter program helps keep the NWS advised with up-to-date weather information. You do not have to become a spotter to attend.
Anyone that is interested in weather and all ages are welcome to participate. Go to WWW.ready.gov for more information.
To register for the Weather Spotters Class, call Kerry Swenson, Cass County Emergency Management, at 218-547-7437.
